Harmful Algal Blooms Solutions Act of 2017 or the HABS Act of 2017
This bill requires the Department of Commerce to establish an award program to give prizes for achievement in developing innovative, environmentally safe technologies and practices for reducing, mitigating, and controlling harmful algal blooms in the following categories: (1) large-scale physical removal of algal biomass; (2) removal of, or rendering harmless, harmful algal bloom toxins; (3) reduction of available nutrients that fuel harmful algal blooms; or (4) real-time monitoring of harmful algal blooms and early-warning systems.
The bill establishes within Commerce the HABS Fund for carrying out the competitions.